Ameloblasts

ALIMENTARY SYSTEM ANATOMY OF THE ENAMEL ORGAN

Introduction

Ameloblasts are cells in the enamel organ which forms the tooth. They secrete enamel.

Properties

Ameloblast Histology - Copywright RVC 2008

• Epithelial cells

• Lines the inner surface of the enamel organ

• Derived from epithelium

• Synthesises enamel which forms the crown of each tooth

• Maintains connections with the newly synthesised enamel through cellular projections called Thomes' fibres

• Enamel is acellular so once the connection with the ameloblasts via the Thomes' fibres is lost (upon eruption), enamel matrix cannot be remodelled

• A single layer of very long columnar cells

• Hexagonal in cross section

• Elongated basally sited nuclei